It’s a common misconception that General Practitioners (GPs) are skin specialists. While many GPs perform skin checks or offer minor dermatology services, they are not qualified skin specialists unless they complete additional, extensive training in dermatology or skin cancer medicine.
What Training Do GPs Receive in Skin Cancer and Dermatology?
GPs undertake a broad medical education that covers all systems of the body, including the skin. However, this exposure is general and limited — typically only a small component of their medical degree and general practice training.
Some GPs choose to undertake short courses or certificates in skin cancer medicine or dermoscopy to enhance their diagnostic ability. While this extra study is valuable, it does not make them dermatologists or skin specialists.
To become a true skin specialist, a doctor must complete years of advanced study and clinical training in dermatology, earning specialist registration with the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) or an equivalent authority.
What Is a Skin Specialist (Dermatologist)?
A dermatologist is a specialist doctor who has completed four to five additional years of postgraduate training focused solely on diseases and conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating melanoma, skin cancer, inflammatory disorders, and cosmetic conditions.
Only those with recognized specialist qualifications are formally considered skin specialists.
Who Are the Other Professionals in Skin Cancer Care?
Skin cancer diagnosis and management often involve a multidisciplinary team of trained professionals who work together to detect and monitor skin changes.
Dermoscopist
A dermoscopist is a healthcare professional — often a GP, nurse, or skin cancer clinician — who uses a dermoscope, a handheld magnification device that allows visualization beneath the skin’s surface.
Key role: Identify suspicious lesions by analyzing pigment patterns and structures invisible to the naked eye.
Qualification: Typically achieved through dermoscopy training programs or professional certificates in skin cancer medicine.
Dermal Clinician
A dermal clinician is an allied health professional with advanced training in skin science and clinical dermal therapies. Dermal clinicians have a deep understanding of skin anatomy, pathology, and medical aesthetics.
Key role: Perform detailed skin assessments, assist in the detection and management of skin conditions, and provide evidence-based dermal treatments. In a skin cancer setting, they often work collaboratively with dermatologists and GPs to support diagnosis and patient education.
Qualification: Usually a bachelor’s or master’s degree in clinical dermal therapies or dermal science, with extensive clinical placement and ongoing professional development.
Melanographer
A melanographer is a medical imaging specialist trained in digital skin imaging and mole mapping. Their role is to document and monitor pigmented lesions over time using high-resolution photography and dermoscopy images.
Key role: Support early melanoma detection by tracking mole changes and providing images for dermatologists and dermal clinicians to assess.
Qualification: Specialized melanography or clinical imaging programs focusing on dermatologic imaging and patient monitoring.
In Summary
While GPs are vital in early detection, they are not skin specialists unless they pursue formal postgraduate dermatology or skin cancer medicine qualifications.
Dermoscopists, dermal clinicians, and melanographers each contribute uniquely to comprehensive skin care — enhancing early detection, monitoring, and patient outcomes.
Final Thoughts
If you want a detailed skin assessment or have concerns about a mole or lesion, seek care from a qualified skin specialist, dermal clinician, or skin cancer clinic with expertise in dermoscopy and medical imaging.
Your skin deserves expert attention from professionals trained in the science and diagnosis of skin disease and cancer.